South Korean authorities repatriated 73 suspects linked to Cambodia‑based romance and investment scams that used deepfakes and fabricated personas to defraud victims. Courts issued arrest warrants for ringleaders amid allegations of multimillion‑won losses to hundreds of victims and sophisticated synthetic‑media tactics to build trust.

Between Jan. 23 and Jan. 26, 2026, South Korean authorities intensified operations targeting Cambodia‑based romance and investment scam rings that used deepfakes and fabricated online identities to dupe victims in so‑called ‘pig‑butchering’ schemes. Officials reported the forced repatriation of 73 suspects and announced arrest warrants for key ringleaders accused of orchestrating complex social‑engineering campaigns that blended deepfake video, falsified investment accounts, and prolonged emotional grooming to extract funds. Prosecutors allege the networks victimized hundreds of South Korean citizens, causing multimillion‑won losses through fraudulent investment platforms and coerced transfers. Investigative authorities described coordinated cross‑border policing and legal coordination with Cambodian counterparts, and said evidence shows sophisticated use of synthetic media to increase believability, including manipulated video calls and fake corporate documentation. The operation underscores growing transnational threats posed by AI‑enabled scams and highlights challenges in victim restitution and prosecution when criminal infrastructures operate from overseas. Officials called for heightened public awareness and stronger international cooperation to disrupt networks exploiting deepfake technology for financial crimes.